#36 Jul 26, 26

National Night Out Is Coming: Your Lawrence Township Weekly Roundup

📋 Producer's Notes

The ramp closure item (Interstate 295 southbound Exit 69B to Route 206) lists a start date of June 4th, which predates this issue's July 23rd publication. It appears unchanged/recurring content from the source newsletter. Included as published; recommend verifying current status before airing if closure has since resolved.
The Mobile Food Pantry item lists four Monday dates (July 6, 13, 20, 27); the first three had already passed as of this newsletter's July 23rd date. Only July 27th is noted as upcoming in the script.
The Police Department's community partnership item originally read "Yesterday" with no absolute date given. The script substitutes "recently" for clarity, since the newsletter provides no specific date.
Several general/boilerplate resource links (Mercer County Food Finder, NJ Disability Information Hub, Mercer County Cooling Centers, MCLS Community Events, full ERMA eligibility criteria) were condensed into brief mentions in the audio script to preserve runtime. Full details are preserved below.
The Spring & Summer Recreation Programs promo and the food safety infographic contained no newsletter-specific dates or new details beyond general encouragement/tips, so they were summarized briefly rather than read in full.

🏘️ Township Announcements

ItemDateDetailsBulk Waste Collection | Friday, July 31 | Three items max, 50 lbs. each; call Public Works to schedule
I-295 Ramp Closure | Beginning June 4, through August | Exit 69B to Route 206 southbound closed for noise barrier project
Mailing Address Update | Ongoing | P.O. Box 6006 discontinued; mail correspondence to Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

Tax Collector: Third quarter 2026 tax amounts are posted online. Bills mail end of July; last day to pay without penalty is Tuesday, September 8 (close of business). Late payments accrue interest back to August 1. 📞 609-844-7041

Public Works Brush Pile Update: Temporary 25-foot brush pile length permitted for July collections only. Standard rules on branch size, height, and placement still apply. 📞 609-587-1894

🎨 Recreation & Seniors

Spring & Summer Recreation Programs – ongoing registration; check weekly for updates. [Learn more]
Summer Art Camp, Session 2 – August 3–7, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Lawrence Nature Center, grades 3–8. [Register]
Freestyle Craft Club – Mondays, 1:00 PM, Art Room, Lawrence Senior Center (30 East Darrah Lane). Call 609-844-7048 to sign up.
Senior Center July Calendar & Senior Connect – available via the Township website. 📞 609-844-7048

🏥 Health Department

Food Safety Tips: Wash hands often, cook to safe temperatures, use separate equipment for raw/cooked foods, keep kitchens clean, and discard spoiled or expired food.
Mobile Food Pantry (Arm In Arm): Mondays, 2:00–4:00 PM, Lawrence Headquarters Branch (2751 Brunswick Pike). Remaining July date: July 27. 📞 609-882-9246
Nursing Services: Vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, and community resource assistance for homebound residents in designated rural areas. 📞 609-844-7094
Dog Licensing: Animal Control contacting 500+ delinquent license holders; summonses possible for unlicensed dogs. $9 late fee in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026.
Free COVID-19 Test Kits: Available while supplies last, Municipal Building North Entrance, 2207 Lawrenceville Road, Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. 📞 609-844-7089

👮 Police Department

Community Partnership: Chief Kevin Reading and Mental Health/Substance Use Coordinator Elwood Dasher recently met with You Are Accountable, a virtual behavioral health provider for substance use and addiction support.
National Night Out – Tuesday, August 4, 5:30–8:00 PM, in front of Town Hall (2207 Lawrence Road). Music, food, activities, emergency vehicle displays, and police resource demos.
Now Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers), $25.91/hr, flexible hours. Email resumes to LawrencePolice@LawrenceTwp.com.

📅 Boards & Committees (this week)

Schedule subject to change; check the Township website for cancellations. 📞 Municipal Clerk, 609-844-7001

🌳 Community Resources & Events

Mercer County Hazard Mitigation Plan Workshop – Monday, July 27, 6:00–7:00 PM, Fire Service Training Center (350 Lawrence Station Road). Can't attend? Take the survey.
Family Nights at the Nature Center (Lawrence Environmental Education Foundation) – 5:30–7:00 PM, 481 Drexel Avenue. This week: July 29, Rocks and Gems with Tom Duffy. Also upcoming: August 5, Creek Walk and Talk with The Watershed Institute.
Mercer County Board of Elections Recruitment Day – Thursday, August 20, 5:00 PM, Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing.
Lawrence Hopewell Trail – Collecting used children's bikes for the free Spokes & Skills youth cycling program with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County.
Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA): Financial assistance for eligible homeowners facing COVID-related hardship. Eligibility includes owning/occupying a 1–4 unit primary residence, meeting income limits, and being current on mortgage/taxes as of January 2020. Apply at njhousing.gov or call 1-855-647-7700.
Mercer County Cooling Centers: Updated during heat waves; scan QR code on flyer or visit county site for locations.
Mercer County Food Finder: Connects residents to 100+ food pantries and grab-n-go meal options.
MCLS Community Events: Ongoing calendar of Lawrence Branch library events.
NJ Disability Information Hub: New statewide resource for programs and services for people with disabilities and caregivers.
Crisis Support: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for suicide prevention or mental health/substance use support.

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Lawrence Historical Society
Meals on Wheels
Lawrence Township Community Foundation

📍 Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
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